Bachelor Navy Dr. Andy's Field Report: Hey, New York, It's Time to Run For Something Better!

I'm officially back in the USA. After an intense, inspired, emotional, impactful month in Africa, to find myself in the hustle and bustle of New York City is definitely culture shock.

Here are the basics:

1. It's good to be home.
2. I need a nap.
3. There is positively no time to rest right now!

I've got much to do to get ready for this weekend's ING NY Marathon!

I landed in Newark from Africa this afternoon at 2:00pm, made my way through customs, and hopped into a car to head straight to Tavern on the Green for an interview about ING's Run for Something Better. You all have seen pictures of my Orange Laces, which I am thrilled to don again and pound out my second 26.2 miles in a week for a really important cause.

As a physician, I know how critical healthy children are for the development and growth of healthy communities. Here in the USA we are battling childhood obesity at unheard of levels. There is something we can all do about it! Get active, get your kids active, and support causes that build opportunities for kids to get fit and stay fit!

ING Run For Something Better was developed in 2003 to introduce kids to the benefits of running, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle choices. As a companion to ING’s marathon sponsorships, the program provides money to support school- and community-based running initiatives across the country.

Since this initiative began, more than 100,000 children have participated in programs
funded by ING Run For Something Better. In the fall of 2006, ING created the Orange Laces program, a fundraising campaign to encourage everyone to show their support for kids’ fitness. This year, ING New York City Marathon participants contributed nearly
$100,000 to the Orange Laces effort.

After the Tavern on the Green interview, I hit the NYRR Daily Cool Down, an online show for race participants, and then finally landed at my hotel for a good night's sleep. With a sunset view like this over the Hudson, I really can't complain!

Tomorrow it's a press conference, photo session, Health and Fitness Expo - and the chance to meet some of the other participants in this iconic race! Yes, I'm exhausted but I'm also inspired. I am proud to be representing ING Run for Something Better and continuing on this journey of helping kids lead healthy lives from Nairobi to New York!

100% of the net proceeds from the orange laces donations go directly to ING Run For
Something Better fitness programs. You can learn more about ING Run For Something Better and Orange Laces at their web site.

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Andrew Baldwin, M.D. is a physician, humanitarian, U.S. Navy diver and media personality currently serving as a family medicine resident at the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton in Southern California. Prior to his current position, Dr. Baldwin served at the Navy's Bureau of…